Emma and Edward Simmonds - Mother, Father and Son

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to Emma Simmonds and Edward Simmonds, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In loving memory of Emma Simmonds Died Feb 17th 1917.  Also of Edward husband of the above died Dec 20th 1920.  Also of Edward son of the above died Jan 22nd 1917."


Emma Simmonds was born Emma Johnson in 1846 in Bray Berkshire to Frederick Johnson, a labourer and his wife Charlotte.

On the 1861 Census, Emma is listed aged 14 living with her parents and siblings at Oakley Green.  Living a few houses away was Edward Simmonds and his family.


Edward Simmonds was born in 1849 in Bray Berkshire to William Simmonds, a Wheelwright and his wife Caroline Allen.  Edward and Emma married in Cardiff in 1875.  They can be found on the 1881 Census living at 20 Topaz Street, Cardiff Wales with their three young daughters, Louisa E aged 4, Charlotte aged 2 and 5 month old Elizabeth.  At that time Edward was working as a carpenter, but he was soon to follow in his father's footsteps.

In 1891 Edward and Emma have moved back to Berkshire and Edward is working as a wheelwright.  The family has expanded to include 8 year old Caroline, 6 year old Albert, 4 year old George and 2 year old Edward.

In 1901 the family are still living in Fifield, but Emma is now listed as Louisa E.  Albert is now a domestic gardener and George is an apprentice wheelwright.  Living next door is Emma's spinster sister Sarah Johnson.

By 1911 Edward has followed his brother Albert into the gardening business, yet he is still living at home in Fifield with Edward and Emma.

After the outbreak of World War I, Edward Jr enlisted with the Devonshire Regiment.  Sadly he was to die as a result of service, either thrpugh injury or illness in Eton Buckinghamshire.  He is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave at St Peter's Churchyard in Burnham Buckinghamshire


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